When grammer fails to grasp politeness
There are enough languages in the world, in which, grammer or vocabulary are not the only ways to express and convey politeness. It is often the way it is said — like a tone of voice, or a particular facial expression while saying something.
I am particularly pricked by this stupid survey by Readers Digest that says Mumbai is the rudest. I presume, rudest in a strict western cosmetic “thank you’s and sorry’s” sense of way. As a personal experince, for having lived there, I have found Bombay to be a place with quite polite and generous people.
The politeness and generosity here is often an expression and, most of the time, beyond just words. ETA: When someone in Mumbai says thank you very much, huh, he or she is not just making a conversation, but is saying that with heartfelt gratitude. Much like the Chinese way of saying: thank you, thank you [phrase repeated rapidly twice] while slightly bowing their heads.
I mean the tests they formed shouldnt be a caliber to judge the whole of mumbai!
Anyhow a quote caught my eye:
Quote :Ever since 9/11 happened, New Yorkers are more caring,” he said, adding, “They understand the shortness of life.”
Then Palestinians should be awarded also, after 58 years of apartheid and murdering, they must be appreciating life every second…
Jun 22, 06 at 05:00Ohoud:
My point exactly. In addition, each city and each community and its people have a language that is beyond just being able to spell. It is this that is often missed in such surveys.
Jun 22, 06 at 05:42